The G-League Pathway Program has become a real threat for the NCAA, as top recruits keep choosing the professional route instead of going to college.
According to Shams Charania from The Athletic, five-star Jonathan Kuminga is reclassifying to the Class of 2020 and signing with the G-League program, which is expected to pay teens as much as $500,000.
No. 1 2021 prospect Jonathan Kuminga (@JonathanKuming6) has reclassified to the 2020 high school class and will sign in the NBA G League pro pathway program, he tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 16, 2020
He becomes the second top-5 prospect, and fifth overall, from 2020 ESPN 100 to choose G League over college, joining players like Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd, Kai Sotto and Daishen Nix.
Kuminga, who recently graduated from The Patrick High School at New Jersey, is a potential No. 1 pick in 2021.
“I see myself as an NBA player and this G League team is going to help me develop my skill and reach my goal to be the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft,” he said. “I’m really motivated, and I’m going to keep working hard to reach that goal.”
Kuminga had offers from 29 schools across the country, including Texas Tech, Michigan, Auburn and Kentucky, but he opted to go the pro route.